Project Updates

Two rounds of public engagement were planned to help inform the development of the Urban Forest Management Plan. 

 

Phase 1

 

Phase 1 occurred from March to April 2023, and was designed to help inform the vision, principles and goals of this plan. We heard from nearly 500 survey respondents whose feedback will help inform the development of the final plan. 

 

Residents were invited to provide input on tree care and management to help the City understand shared values, goals and objectives that will inform the vision and recommendations for Vaughan’s first-ever Urban Forest Management Plan.

 

The following engagement opportunities were available in Phase 1:

  • Virtual open house – COMPLETED (April 3, 2023)
  • Online survey #1 – COMPLETED (March 21 to April 28, 2023)
  • Map Vaughan’s trees – COMPLETED (March 21 to April 28, 2023)
  • Art contest – COMPLETED (March 21 to April 28, 2023)

 

Read the Phase 1 engagement summary (PDF). 

 

Phase 2 

 

Phase 2 occurred from May to June 2023, and was designed to gather feedback on the goals and strategies you hope to see prioritized in the final plan. 

 

The following engagement opportunities were available in Phase 2:

  • In-person open house – COMPLETED (June 8, 2023)
  • Online survey #2 – COMPLETED (June 5 to June 30, 2023)
  • In-person pop-up events at Vaughan Public Libraries – COMPLETED (June 10 to June 28, 2023)

 

During Phase 2, the City developed a State of the Urban Forest report (PDF). This document contains information, analysis and benchmarking that will be used to inform the actions in the final Urban Forest Management Plan.

 

Read the Phase 2 engagement summary (PDF). 

Winners of the Urban Forest Management Plan art contest

 

After reviewing the entries for the Urban Forest Management Plan art contest, three winners have been selected! Check them out below.

 

First place

 

“Through the Canopy” by Stephen M.

 

Image of a painted tree

 

"As an artist that called Vaughan home for many years the conservation lands from Boyd to Bindertwine were where I would frequent for plein air painting and inspiration, walking the meandering trails along the Humber and through the woods brought a sense of enchantment that's seldom found in other cities. One place in particular was the inspiration for my piece, a spot along the William Granger Greenway, just north of Major Mackenzie. There are a collection of trees in the middle of the clearing that grow over the trail to create a beautiful natural archway, looking up through them one beautiful summer day I saw the sun radiating through the canopy and I knew I had to capture this magic in a painting for all to enjoy!"

 

Second place

 

“Mystical Spruce” by Patrick B.

 

Image of a digital painting of a tree

 

"I find inspiration from the natural spaces, urban parks, trails and trees of the Don River watershed. As I was walking through the forest, I noticed this mystical old white spruce tree. I try to communicate the beauty of trees through my art."

 

Third place

 

“Walkway thru the Forest by my House” by Ronak G.

 

Image of a digital painting of a tree

 

"This artwork draws inspiration from the enchanting forest in close proximity to my residence, as well as the diverse array of trees and foliage that grace our urban landscape. Its essence lies in the profound interplay between humanity, nature, and technology—an intricate web of interconnected layers within our cityscape. With the intention of capturing these intricate relationships, I embarked on creating a multi-layered drawing that seeks to visually portray the harmonious coexistence of these elements."

 

Honourable mention

 

“Hills of Clover” by Atara H.

 

Image of a pencil drawing of a wooded area

 

"Hills of Clover was created after discovering small trails amongst quiet neighbourhoods last summer. Many included small ponds, lots of beautiful scenery, wildlife and a peaceful stillness. I was inspired to draw these feelings partly from memory and partly from photographs."

 

Honourable mention

 

“Cavalcade of colours” by Amardeep T.

 

Acrylic painting of a tree

 

"Trees always inspire and fascinate me as they are the most wonderful creation of nature and each tree is a piece of art.


The City of Vaughan has a rich wealth of beautiful trails and parks which I love to visit again and again. Kortright Center is my favourite place to visit every year in summer and fall as it turns out into a wonderland of colors to enjoy and have fun."